Ever wonder what would happen if you were rushed to the ER with a stroke? Find out about stroke treatments in hospital, stroke medication and the path to stroke recovery.
Monitoring
During your hospital stay, your condition will be monitored periodically. This may include regular checks of blood pressure and assessment of your stroke signs every few hours.
Screening
You will be assessed by various stroke care team members followed by an appropriate intervention or referral to a healthcare professional.
Investigation
You will undergo various tests which may include:
Brain Scan
- Either a computerised tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan to help identify the type, location and size of the stroke area.
Ultrasound
- Ultrasound scan of the neck and brain blood vessels to assess the blood supply in the brain.
Heart Tests
- Electrocardiogram (ECG), which checks for any abnormal heart rhythm.
- Echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound to check for the presence of any clots or abnormal communications between the chambers of your heart.
- Holter, which monitors the heart rhythm with continuous ECG over 24 or 48 hours to detect any heart rhythm abnormalities.
Blood Tests
- To screen for new risk factor(s) or measurement control of existing risk factor(s).
- To measure your blood counts and check the function of your other organs, such as kidneys and liver.
Related: Screening for Heart Disease
Medications
Your doctor will prescribe medications for you that may be taken orally or given by injection. Do inform your stroke care team if you are taking any medication(s), over-the-counter drug(s) or Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). You are advised not to self-medicate without speaking to your doctor.
Related: Know Your Medication
Early Mobilisation
Your stroke care team will encourage early mobilisation once it is safe. This is to promote early recovery and prevent complications. Your safety is the priority; always ask your stroke care team for assistance if needed.
Related: Care after Stroke
Screening and Prevention of Complications After Acute Stroke
You will be monitored closely during your hospital stay for any complications after an acute stroke.
Related: Post-Stroke Complications
Your Hospital Journey:
For more on stroke, go to StrokeHub.